Ithaca Peace Festival

We have unfortunately had to make a decision to cancel the 2020 Ithaca Peace Festival. This would have been our 10th annual event, and even though the spirit of the event is probably more important today than ever, the committee has decided that there is too much uncertainty around the Pandemic to make it feasible for the event to be organized this year. We plan to continue to promote peace efforts in other ways and hope to look forward to another Peace Festival in 2021.

This is a great read for people right now!! Me: Okay, God, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be, but I am. God: I know. Want to talk about it?... Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know. God: Let's talk about it anyway... We've done this before. Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger of something by now. God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed. Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love dying. I'm afraid the world won't go back to what it was before. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel a little bit unsettled. God: Anything else? Me: EVERYTHING ELSE. God: Remember how your son woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom? Me: Yes. God: You were still awake, so when you heard him running, you started calling out to him before he even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to him? Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay! You're okay! I'm here." God: Why did you call to him? Why didn't you just wait for him to get to your room? Me: Because I wanted him to know that I was awake, and I heard him, and he didn't have to be afraid until he reached the end of the dark hallway. God: Exactly. I hear you, my child. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There's an other side to all of this. I'm there already. I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't. Me: *crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all? God: There's nothing I'd love more. (Copied and comforting.)

In response to the current coronavirus pandemic, we are asking you to consider joining us in an "epidemic of kindness" in our community. Think of at least 2 people that you know (outside of your family) who may need help in the upcoming months. How can you make a difference? Assistance takes many forms - sharing food, supplies, financial assistance, emotional support. Remember, even the smallest gestures can make a world of difference! And please share your ideas and personal stories of this "epidemic of kindness" with us here. We look forward to hearing from you!